River
Otter
Images

Caption suggestion: River otters once were almost gone from Illinois. In
1994, Illinois DNR began releasing otters and successfully restored them to the
state's rivers and streams. Otters were captured safely in Louisiana, where
otters are plentiful, using the very same foothold traps and methods commonly
used by Illinois trappers.

Caption suggestion: Trappers safely trapped otters in Louisiana for
reintroduction in Illinois, using foothold traps. This successful reintroduction
shows that techniques and equipment used by responsible trappers are safe,
effective and humane as possible.

Caption suggestion: In 1994, Illinois biologists reintroduced otters into
the state where they once were rare. License fees and special taxes from
trappers and hunters further Illinois conservation efforts such as these.